Cowell mum: 'Simon got engaged too soon'

Simon Cowell's mum has admitted that she thinks her son got engaged too quickly.

Julie Cowell also revealed that the X Factor judge and his fiancée Mezhgan Hussainy are currently on a "break" due to Simon's heavy workload.

The comment comes after Hussainy reportedly told friends that the couple's engagement is on the rocks.

Julie told the Mail On Sunday: "It's a break at the moment. The problem with Simon is that he works so hard. She's gone to America which, in a way, is a good thing because of Simon's work. At the moment it isn't a good idea for her to be here.

"She doesn't know many people in London. If you are Simon's girlfriend, let's be honest about this, you are not going to see very much of him. It's very difficult for a girl to accept that.

"He doesn't want anyone sitting in his dressing room when he's working. Sometimes these girls want to be there too much. They are on good terms and I'm sure are in regular contact. Simon remains friends with all his ex-girlfriends."

Julie went on to say that she was hopeful the time apart would allow the couple to assess their relationship.

She said: "I think [the engagement] was too quick. This might give them the break they need to think it through. Marriage is a very, very big step."

A spokesperson for Simon insisted that the two were still "very much together" and that Hussainy is due to return to the UK in the coming week.